Dislocations and broken bones
(fractures) are treated similarly. A dislocation is a displacement of a bone end
from the joint. Dislocated joints will have pain, swelling, irregularity, or
deformity over the injured area.

FIRST AID

Leave dislocated joint in the
position found.

Immobilize joint in the exact
position it was in at the time of injury.

Apply ice and elevate to minimize
swelling.

Have the player see a doctor
immediately.

DON’T:

Attempt to relocate a dislocation or
correct any deformity near a joint (movement may cause further injury.

Minor cuts,
scratches and grazes

Treatment

Clean
the cut, if dirty, under running water. Pat dry with a sterile dressing or
clean lint-free material. If possible, raise affected area above the heart.

Cover the cut
temporarily while you clean the surrounding skin with soap and water and pat
the surrounding skin dry. Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or
plaster.

Severe bleeding

Treatment

Put
on disposable gloves.

Apply direct pressure
to the wound with a pad (e.g. a clean cloth) or fingers until a sterile
dressing is available.

Raise and support the
injured limb. Take particular care if you suspect a bone has been broken.

Lay the casualty down
to treat for shock.

Bandage the pad or
dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly that it stops the
circulation to fingers or toes. If bleeding seeps through first bandage, cover
with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through bandage, remove
it and reapply.

A bloody nose is a common occurrence
following a blow to the face, or in association with high blood pressure,
infection, strenuous activity or dry nasal passages. Although usually more
annoying than serious, any bloody nose resulting from an injury to the face
should be considered as a potential fracture. If you suspect a head, neck, or
back injury, do not try to control a nosebleed; instead, keep the player from
moving and stabilize the head and neck.

FIRST AID

Place the player in a sitting
position leaning slightly forward.

Apply direct pressure by having the
player pinch the nostrils with the fingers.

Take the athlete to the doctor if
bleeding persists.

DON’T:

Allow the player to blow her/her nose
for several hours.

Stick anything up the
nose to stop the bleeding.

Lean head backwards
(player may choke on blood running down the throat).

Steady
and support the injured limb with your hands to stop any movement.

If there is
bleeding, press a clean pad over the wound to control
the flow of blood. Then bandage on and around the wound.

If you suspect a
broken leg, put padding between the knees and ankles. Form a splint (to
immobilise the leg further) by gently, but firmly, bandaging the good leg to
the bad one at the knees and ankles, then above and below the injury. If it is
an arm that is broken, improvise a sling to support the arm close to the body.

Dial 999 for an
ambulance.

If it does not
distress the casualty too much, raise and support the injured limb.

Do not give the
casualty anything to eat or drink in case an operation is necessary.